By Giuseppe Guerini
EESC Civil Society Organisations’ Group

Last year, the European Commission and the European Council tasked Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta with drafting reports on EU competitiveness and on improving the single market, respectively. These reports set out an ambitious political agenda for the European Union, serving as both a roadmap and a benchmark for assessing the commitment of institutions and policymakers to shaping the EU’s future and their ability to do so.

These reports can be used to gauge how effectively institutions and leaders are responding to today’s complex challenges.

The EESC’s opinion on the reports provides a valuable tool for evaluating the early steps of this new political cycle. The first of these steps is reflected in the Competitiveness Compass, launched by the European Commission on 29 January. It includes several high-priority proposals that are also highlighted in our opinion, such as closing the competitiveness gap, completing the single market, simplifying regulations without deregulation and recognising that competitiveness depends on people and skills.

However, beyond the competitiveness gap, there is also a lack of concrete action. So far, the Commission has presented strategic documents, communications and commitments, but tangible measures are still months away. This delay underscores the need, as noted in our opinion, for EU institutions and Member States to also initiate a debate on the EU’s fundamental rules and the relevance of the current Treaties in addressing today’s challenges, which require swift action.

Acting quickly does not mean compromising on quality. The European Commission demonstrated this in 2020 when it swiftly implemented the Next Generation EU initiative. It should show the same agility today.

Achieving these goals requires a multifaceted approach. Rapidly completing the single market is crucial, but it must go hand in hand with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, economic prosperity and social and territorial cohesion, as these are key drivers of competitiveness.

This vision also calls for a cohesive industrial policy that moves beyond fragmented national approaches, supported by strategic fiscal and customs incentives. At the same time, reducing bureaucratic burdens and compliance costs through smarter regulation and streamlined administrative processes is essential to fostering a more dynamic business environment.

In the energy sector, narrowing price disparities between Member States and other global economies is vital. This will require increased investment in renewable energy, ensuring a more competitive and sustainable energy market.

To support these ambitions, the EU must also develop a common policy on European public goods, clearly defining its strategic priorities and reinforcing its role on the global stage.

The EESC will continue to monitor the implementation of these policies, ensuring that the voice of European civil society is heard and taken into account.